Wetsuit rubber going bad - anything to do?

[alexeyga]

Hey guys, I have an older O'neill Heat wetsuit from around 2011-2012 which is still more than solid, but the rubber neck collar has gone bad. It's all gooey and sticky, rubs on the skin and it's not that easy to wash of. Hence - is there anything to do - or it's time to go shop for another suit?

[NorCalNomad]

Another suit. Some polymer have a longer shelf life than others, and the usage factors into that (sometimes even not using it, like with car tires, can be worse).

[frefel]

Try rubbing it with a talc product, like baby powder. It will seemingly rejuvenate the rubber and will coat the surface with a smooth layer that will not be sticky. Works on the rubber baldder/valve kite tubing also.

[iriejohn]

If the neck is not already tight you could get some soft neoprene stitched over the top.

[alexeyga]

Thanks guys - looks like I'll be retiring it. Thought about repairing the neck piece, but given its age and curent prices on decent 2/3mm suits - it's hardly worth it.

[Da Yoda]

Thanks guys - looks like I'll be retiring it. Thought about repairing the neck piece, but given its age and curent prices on decent 2/3mm suits - it's hardly worth it.

PLEASE! Send it to these guys. It can be repurposed.
https://www.sugamats.com/recycling

[alexeyga]

Thanks guys - looks like I'll be retiring it. Thought about repairing the neck piece, but given its age and curent prices on decent 2/3mm suits - it's hardly worth it.

PLEASE! Send it to these guys. It can be repurposed.
https://www.sugamats.com/recycling

I will do just that when I'll figure out the mathematics of me having to pay for shipping in order to recycle my old gear into something which costs more than these same items (from top of the line brands) made from raw materials. Great idea, but in terms of costs - something doesn't add up.

[Da Yoda]

Great idea, but in terms of costs - something doesn't add up.

They're more focused on "drop-off" spots. Most are located in California and there's one in Maryland. There are also several "drop-off" spots in Vancouver, Canada.
I haven't researched the cost, so shipping it from the E coast of the US or Canada may not be economical (or feasible) at this point in time.